In exploring the formal and informal role of student government in college organization and how that role differs in small community colleges, two different models for student government operation are reviewed: a power-driven organization that describes the status quo and a purpose-driven organization that illustrates options available to college administrators. The power-driven organization is a pyramid with the governing board at the top holding ultimate authority and dispensing power downwards. In such a system, the student government rests at the bottom and has virtually no responsibility. With such limited authority student governments tend to invent functions as entrees to power. Natural student frustrations are magnified so that self-interest and informal veto powers are called into every judgment. The purpose-driven organizational model directly opposes the power-driven model in that it relates to organizational dynamics rather than to structure. In such an organization, student government exists as a partner with other governing units working toward the institutional purpose, has definite authority and partnership responsibilities, shares in administrative planning, and directs student opinions on-campus. The challenges of accountability and change agent roles in a purpose-driven organization are also explored. A selected bibliography is included. (TR)